If I weren’t The Antiques Diva… I might be called The Jewelry Diva. I have a bit of an obsession for fabulous jewels and shoes. The dressing room in my Berlin apartment is literally decorated with jewelry (and bags and shoes) artfully displayed so I can enjoy my pieces even when I’m not wearing them! They are art! Antique jewelry in particular is interesting because it tells the story of fashion throughout history. Today I’m sharing a guest blog from James Brockbank who put together a lovely history of jewelry for Laurelle Antique Jewellery.

Jewellery Through The Ages: 1714 – 1935

The emergence of fine jewellery spans the Georgian through to Art Deco periods, encompassing also the Victorian and Edwardian eras between the years of 1714 and 1935. It was during this time that jewellery began to become not only more affordable for the masses but also increased in popularity significantly and that certain trends began to appear, many of which are still popular to this day.

We recently had the pleasure of having a fantastic infographic put together by Laurelle Antique Jewellery, titled ‘Jewellery Through The Ages: 1714 – 1935’ shared with us and, as such, we invited them to give a little summary on each of the periods covering these years alongside the infographic:

Georgian Period (1714 – 1830)During the Georgian period, the years of political upheaval during the reign of four George’s between 1714 and 1830, all pieces of jewellery were still handmade by highly skilled jewellers with stones set either with enclosed backs or on foil being defining characteristics of the era. Diamonds became the most desirable stone during this time with emeralds, sapphires and rubies later becoming popular and widely used.

Victorian Period (1837 – 1900)The Victorian Period marked the reign of Queen Victoria and throughout, saw what is regarded as three main eras as far as fashion and jewellery are concerned. The first of these, the Romantic Period (1837 – 1861) closely mirrored the affection seen by the world between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert whilst the Grand Period which followed (1861 – 1880) marked a period of sadness and mourning which followed Albert’s death, paving the way for decades of popularity of Jet black mourning jewellery. The Aesthetic Period (1880 – 1900) saw jewellery become smaller and simpler and marked the real transition between Victorian and Edwardian trends.

Edwardian Period (1901 – 1914)Following the trends of the Victorian Period came the Edwardian Era, one which brought with it a renewed love of diamonds. Filigree rings, engraved signet rings and birthstone rings are standout pieces from Edwardian times as were pieces inspired by Rococo, creating what became known as the garland style. It was during the Edwardian period that both Cartier and Faberge came to fame, two brands who are still going strong to this day.

Art Deco Period (1920 – 1935)Perhaps the most unique of the four periods covered here is the Art Deco period which covered the years between 1920 and 1835 and marked a time where many, after the First World War, had money for luxuries for the first time. During this era, jewellery was the product of a machine and, as such, Art Deco pieces became known for their symmetry and geometry. Popular standout pieces from the era include diamond bracelets, ruby brooches and sapphire earrings.

It’s clear that many of the trends identified throughout these four periods still stand strong today, and it’s easy to see why such pieces are still popular. With the rise in interest in the ‘vintage’ and ‘antique’ trends in recent years, both independent dealers and auction houses are seeing an increased demand for pieces spanning all four periods and this looks set to continue as the beauty of antique jewellery continues to be realised.

I have several weaknesses in life.. champagne, fast cars and fabulous jewelry! I’ve a bit of a reputation for over-the-top, larger than life pieces of jewelry (I’ll never forget the man who shook my hand and said “you must have a very big personality to go with that ring!”). Jewelry puts the finishing touches on any Diva-worthy outfit. When I saw interior designer Nancy Price and her employees wearing fabulous necklaces, I had to know where she got them! Of course, when you’re a creative personality and one of the top designers in the USA, you don’t just buy your jewelry – you create them! They were actually pieces from Nancy’s own jewelry line, AURA, which incorporates antique elements! No wonder I loved them. Now you know me… I can’t keep a secret when something is this good. I had to share about the line as I am fascinated with its origin.

Nancy Price is based in Jackson, Mississippi. She’s got a keen eye for beauty and has a well-edited style that’s been called “disciplined yet opulent.” No wonder we get along so well! For over 20 years she’s been collecting charms, pendants, beads, reliquaries, and chains from her travels across the globe, and decided it was time to add “Jewelry Designer” to her list of titles. The one-of-a-kind and soulful pieces she creates not only beautify the body but also the home. Too stunning to put in a jewelry drawer, these works of art make a statement simply draped over a book or curled up in a bowl. I am a huge fan of displaying jewelry, and in my own dressing room I allow my jewels to act as decoration! It just pleases me to see everything on display.

The jewelry line, AURA, is about appreciating the history, craftsmanship, and inherent beauty in an item. Each one-of-a-kind piece features antique reliquaries, vintage chain, and semi-precious stones. I absolutely adore these three necklaces and asked for more information on each. The first one is a One of a Kind Necklace with Iolite Nuggets, Crowned Flemish Morality Medal, Vintage Brass Chain, Grey Moonstone and Vintage Gold Reliquary Cross.

The second one is a One of a Kind Necklace featuring raw blue agate with silver aura crucifix, mother of pearl tumbled nuggets, double strand of lace blue agate with silver English watch fob circa 1910, blue french crucifix and small blue agate beads.

The third one is a One of a Kind Necklace featuring smooth round larimar, vintage brass chain, faceted amazonite, turn of century African trading beads, grey moonstone, and early 19th century hand carved meerschaum reliquary pendant of Our Lord Jesus.

I simply don’t know which one to choose! Alas, I know this is a Diva problem!

If you wish to see one of these or other pieces in person, a selection of Nancy’s extensive offerings can be seen at her studio, Nancy Price Interior Design, located at 3110 Old Canton Road in Jackson, Mississippi’s historic Fondren district and to the trade at the Antique and Design Center of High Point at Market Square. For more information, please contact: Nancy Price Interiors 3110 Old Canton Rd, Jackson, MS 39216 (601) 982-4181.

Thanks for sharing your vision with us, Nancy! You are an inspiration!

There are certain brands, like Hermes, that instantly make me think of luxury and style. There are also specific cities in the world, like Paris, that conjure up feelings of chicness and sophistication. When the two are combined, I call that Diva Heaven! This October 23-25, the 1st Vintage Hermes Collectors Fair will take place in Paris, and it’s sure to be a Diva’s paradise! Hermes lovers from around the globe will gather at the Hotel du Louvre to partake in a French luxury Parisian weekend. Sounds ideal to me!

Several international dealers from France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Germany, and Belgium will present a large range of Hermes vintage objects, many of which are highly collectable– and most likely on my Christmas list! Attendees can peruse everything from the iconic Hermes Kelly handbag to more unique & rare pieces. Whether you want to buy specific items or simply expose yourself to the highest quality vintage fashion, this fair is the place to do it. I find that attending specialized fairs like this helps me to hone my taste and train my eye to recognize the best of the best. Being able to talk to knowledgeable dealers allows me to learn more about specific areas of the vintage & antique world—in this case, Hermes!

This venue will allow you to rub elbows with fellow Hermes admirers and collectors, and even attend a Museum Collectors Exhibition to increase your knowledge of the breadth of vintage Hermes design. As a bonus, an appraisal service will be at your disposal during the event, so bring those Hermes pieces and find out how much money is hanging in your closet!

If you’re a fashion Diva, this would be the perfect time to come to Paris and book an Antiques Diva Vintage Fashion tour in conjunction with the Vintage Hermes Collectors Fair. Can you imagine a few days in Paris, being whisked from vintage store, to the flea market, to the fair, all the while picking up stylish vintage pieces from iconic fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, Pucci, and Hermes? Oh my, I think I need to sit down—and have a glass of champagne! If this sounds like your ideal weekend in Paris, email us at info@antiquesdiva.com and we’d be happy to give you more information.

We recently took The HighBoy on a whirlwind VIP tour of England—and when I say whirlwind, I mean it! We were constantly jetting from one antiques fair to another, working our way from London to Wiltshire and back, stopping off at secret sources and private houses in between. Our UK Diva Agent, Gail McLeod, set the agenda and added in a very special stop near Bath. She arranged for us to spend an afternoon with renowned antique textiles dealer Elizabeth Baer at her lovely home.

Gail has been involved in the Bath Decorative Fair for years and that is where she first met Mrs. Baer in 1989 where she was a vendor. As a star attraction at this and other fairs, Mrs. Baer would sell textiles like hot cakes, often to top U.S. dealers who would wait in line to see her. She’s sold to just about every Hollywood name and supplied textiles and costumes for countless films – I was completely smitten by the fact that Anna Wintour has been a long-term client. Now in her late 80’s, Mrs. Baer is still active in the trade and sells inventory by appointment only in her gorgeous house, which is a “miniature” Georgian manor house in the heart of Bradford on Avon.

As you would expect, this quintessential English lady has a beautiful garden which welcomed us when we arrived. Seeing the large, heavy front door open, we knocked and made ourselves known, and seconds later the lovely Elizabeth appeared from around the corner. She greeted us warmly and asked us to come inside the spacious foyer, where a few bolts of fabric lay on the entry table, hinting at what was in store for us.

A tour through her home revealed generously proportioned rooms, one connecting to the next, filled with antique furniture, textiles, and special bits and bobs, all telling the story of a life well lived. When in the living room, she noted the relating color palates of a painted antique blanket chest and two pair of curtain panels. “Rather than try to invent new color combinations, look for old color recipes that work. They’ve been around a long time for a reason,” Elizabeth advised. As we made out way to the sitting room, decorated in mostly pink hues, she informed us that every piece of furniture was upholstered in old curtain fabric. While stroking a velvet cushion, she shared another wise piece of advice. “The key is to enjoy what you’ve got and not be envious of what anyone else has got.”

Climbing the stairs, we got a peek into the private life of this stylish lady as she invited us to see her bedroom and extremely chic bath/dressing room. The use of antique textiles was perfection—the bed canopy, the yards and yards of drapery panels, the upholstered furniture just begging to be lounged on—all gorgeous. We even got to see her small work room where she makes everything from totes and cushions to padded hangers and basket liners—always with bits of remnant fabric and trim.

To end the afternoon, we went to the lower level of the house where she keeps her stock for sale. After being served coffee on a tray—she is, after all, a gracious hostess—we perused shelves of fabric, trims, and remnants. We settled on a few table cloths and tea towels, finding that one was not enough according to Elizabeth, “You must have one on the table and one in the wash.”

If you’re interested in antique textiles, you must check out her blog. She tells stories of her business ventures, offers up worthwhile advice and entertaining anecdotes that are sure to leave you inspired. For more information on our English Antique Buying Tours or Antique Textile Tours in general email us at info@antiquesdiva.com.

While my home is in Berlin, I’m the first to admit that this city isn’t booming with fabulous antique stores. The flea markets are fun to shop, and it’s true that you can unearth some gems at great prices—vintage furs are definitely a favorite among clients shopping in Berlin. But when it comes to true antique showrooms and stores, there just aren’t an over abundance of them in Berlin. However, my Office Manager Barbara recently suggested that we check out an antiques shop in Kreuzberg that she had fallen in love with so I set up a business lunch with Barbara and our Creative Consultant Andrew at a cute little Mediterranean restaurant. After our meeting, the three of us walked a few blocks, popping into a few small shops. As we meandered through various tiny rooms packed with shelves of bric-a-brac, I wondered if the shop Barbara was taking us to would be any different. Once we reached our destination, Felix Bachmann Antiquitäten, I instantly knew that we were in for a treat! This store was unlike any that I’d seen in Berlin!

The first room upon entering housed antiques and vintage pieces that reflected a style—not a specific time period, but rather a point of view. Pieces of differing provenance and age mixed together like guests invited to a dinner party. A mid-century chandelier hung over a 19th century table surrounded by industrial chairs, with a modern art piece—which we later learned was the work of Felix Bachmann himself— hung on the wall. I couldn’t wait to wander through the rest of the space and meet the mind behind these well-curated rooms.

Passing through to the next room, we were met by a young man coming in from the inner courtyard. Wearing a work apron covered in markings that can only be acquired by actual hard work, he introduced himself as Felix, the owner of the store. I was so interested to learn that he’s been working in the antiques industry for over 10 years (given he had to be under 30 I was so impressed with this Antiques Young Gun!) He specializes in restoring furniture, which he does in his workshop just steps away. By looking at and touching the pieces in his shop, you can tell that he is highly skilled at gentle restoration and takes great pride in retaining the integrity of each piece. We learn that he avoids using machinery as much as he can in the restoration process, opting rather to do things in the traditional way—by hand and with old varnishes, glues, and color formulations.

As we looked around the shop, I was particularly struck by an aluminum piece of a plane wing. It made a fantastic statement in the shop and I could picture it in a home as art. There was also a pair of leather chairs by Mario Bellini that were gorgeous. The overall look of the store could work in a traditional country house or a loft in the city. That’s what makes this shop so special. Felix’s taste is globally influenced which is partially inspired by internships he’s done in Germany, England, Italy, and New York. I cannot wait to see his effect on the Berlin antique scene. I have a feeling we are going to see great things from him and from Berlin in general with Felix at the head of the pack.

If you’re heading to Italy for a Roman Holiday this summer, read on. The key to antiquing in Italy during the summer months is preparation – many markets close while vendors take their own holiday! A reader and former client recently emailed asking me (and my locally-based Tuscan Guide) about the markets in Italy this summer and I knew that we had to share our advice with you here on the blog.

Diva Reader Kim writes:

Could you give me ideas for markets in Italy that would be good to hit when I travel to Italy late July/early August…Venice, Rome, Florence, Portofino….

I esp. love shoes, purses, linens, etc. Thanks! Hope you are well. Love keeping up with your biz! What a life you lead! Cheers!

Thanks in advance,

Kim

Antiques Diva Guide Susan responds:

I have to confess market shopping in Italy during the summer months can be a tricky time as many of the monthly flea markets close. Those that don’t close most certainly slow down in the heat of the summer months, so the pickings are slimmer, but on a more positive note those that are open you will find have incredible deals as the competition is less fierce!

Another option are the ‘mercatini d’usato’ which are a great and growing resource; not only are pieces on consignment from private clients but the stores also do estate clearances and really have fabulous things from Murano lighting fixtures to collections of paintings as well as furniture and decorative arts from all periods.

If you’re going to Venice, Rome, and Florence, you will find these stores – we almost always include these in an itinerary on an Antiques Diva Tour. They’re sort of like the Italian equivalent of a British Charity Shop – but everything in them is Italian and vintage! Of course it’s important to check who is open and when to co-ordinate with your travels. Generally the flea markets in Florence which happen on the 3rd and 4th weekend of the month close in August. In Rome, the biggest market is at Porta Portese which is every weekend, closes for the middle of August for two weekends. Ferragosto, which is August 15, is a the most important holiday on the calendar and in true Italian style, whole families shut up shop and go to the beach or up to the mountains for their annual family vacation – so there won’t be any shopping that day either!

You mentioned that you love shoes, purses, and linens, and of course Italy being the queen of fashion is the king of vintage, having so many renowned designers. For Italians the ‘bella figura’ weighs heavily, that is, making a good impression, and it’s quality not quantity that matters. Designer labels are important but Italians are also thrifty so they look after their precious possessions and never throw anything away!

Linens too are wonderful; in the times of the share crop farmers each farm would have its own loom. You can find bolts of linen for next to nothing, as well as sheets, crochet bordered bedcovers, and monogramed pillowcases in the consignment stores, many of which have been hidden for years in the wedding chest as part of the dowry—some not even opened!

The key to antiquing during the summer months in Italy is preparation. Know where to go by finding out when each market it open and taking note of special holidays when everything will be shut up. If you’d like more information on taking an Antiques Diva tour of Italy any time of year, don’t hesitate to email us at info@antiquesdiva.com. We’d love to take you through this enchanting country—Diva style!

Who hasn’t dreamed of spending a weekend in Venice? Here at The Antiques Diva & Co we are so excited to have two local Venetian Diva Guides who have insider connections, knowledge of antiques and style to boot. If you find yourself pining for a few days in this magical city, keep reading because our locally-based Venetian Guides Orseola and Chiara have put together three different ideal weekend tours that could satisfy any discerning Diva client!

Venice Tour 1. “Antique Venetian Textiles Tour”
This tour starts with a visit to a private fabric factory (not open to the public) to visit one of the most important manufacturers in Venice as it is the last textile workshop in town that still weaves traditional velvets and brocades on the original 18th century handlooms. From there take a Gondola through the Grand Canal to the nearby Rialto to try some typical “Cicheti” (Venetian small appetizers) and a glass of prosecco/spritz which always flows in abundance here. After the “aperitivo”, go shopping for antique fabrics in the historical shops in Santa Maria del Giglio and then visit an antique dealer that is actually the only place in Venice where you can find original Fortuny fabric. After having seen this shop in San Maurizio, visit an antique dealers personal residence nearby, where you can have the unique shopping experience of buying exquisite, museum quality antiques of any kind in the magical setting of an historical private palazzo. There are also great dealers in that area that offer absolutely beautiful carpets.

Venice Tour 2. “Antique Venetian Glass Tour”
For the antique glass lovers who are passionate about the authentic art of glass, we can offer a special tour that starts from Venice and ends up in Murano, where glass is designed and produced. First we’ll visit our dear friend Giuseppe, a young dealer that together with is father offers a great selection of vintage and antique glass and much more in his shop close to the Arsenale. From there we’ll take a private boat to reach Murano island. During the trip we will offer a glass of Prosecco in true Diva style! Once we arrive in Murano, we’ll have lunch there and then visit only historical glass factories and special places which are closed to the public where it is possible to buy dream chandeliers, vases, lamps, glasses by Pauly, Seguso amongst others, from the beginning of the century till 1980. Of course this is our secret source so they make special prices for our clients.

Venice Tour 3. “Antiques” (can be planned also upon specific requests)
Start the morning by meeting in San Barnaba, where we start the shopping tour visiting the historical “bottega” of an “Indorador”, that restores and sell antique frames, sculptures (think gilded antiques). Then we proceed by going close to the Accademia, at our friend Silvana’s shop, where you can find museum quality stone sculptures, some dating back to the 14th century, along with objects d’art and architectural salvage. This is Italy which means Mamma Mia, we must stop for lunch… we’ll make it fast at Fiore, with cicheti and wine, and finally reach one of the most famous antique dealers of Venice, David, a dear friend of ours who sells just amazing antiques of any kind–real collectors items, and antique carpets. One of his very special shops (his family has sold higher quality antiques for generations) is located in a beautiful palazzo in the Canareggio district. With a water taxi then, we will bring our clients to Giuseppe’s shop close to Arsenale.

Can’t Get Enough of Us in Venice? How about doing some Diva Lifestyle Venetian Tours?As an extra, we’d be glad to plan a trip to Mazzorbo, a very special island in the Venetian lagoon, where it is possible to have a wine tasting of the amazing wine they produce there, from an old variety of grape that was historically growing in the islands of the lagoon (and in Venice itself). This is a very hidden and beautiful little paradise in the middle of the lagoon. In their restaurant, “Venissa” you can enjoy the best creative cuisine made with local products. This is one of our favorite places to eat. Coming back to Venice city center, we love to go to “Estro”, an “osteria” where you can have great wine, cicheti and creative cuisine, perfect for lunch and “Pensione Wildner”, where our friend Luca always advises with the best fresh ingredients of the day and with the best wine pairings, to have a perfect dinner.

If you have an interest in taking an Antiques Diva Venetian Tour, email us at info@antiquesdiva.com. We’d love to custom plan your dream tour and show you Venice through the eyes and footsteps of a local!

In honor of Bastille Day today I’ve got Paris on the mind… While that’s usually Paris, France today it’s the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas! I’m just booking flights today to go to Las Vegas Market where I’m delighted to announce I’ll be headlining in Vegas along with a great line-up of interior design-oriented events.

On Monday, August 3rd you don’t want to miss a dynamic panel discussion that I’ll be taking part in called The Secret Life of Antiques. Have you ever seen beautiful antiques on the covers of shelter magazines and wondered where they came from or how they ended up there? Have you found yourself pining after a stunning antique in a favorite showroom? Our panel is here to uncover the past of these pristine pieces and show you how they’re being reinvented and revitalized for the future. Joining me are fellow panelists Melissa Mittag of Fromental and Justin Shaulis with Heather Viera as moderator. We’ll be divulging secrets of how antiques and vintage items are sourced, how the interior design industry is making them relevant, and how they are ending up in popular design publications.

Join us from 11:30am-12:30pm in Building C, Surya Seminar Room C174 for what’s sure to be a fun and informative panel.

And because a Diva’s work is never done, at 1:00 pm I’ll be leading an Antiques Diva Curated Tour of Discoveries of The Antique Vintage Marketplace, which is housed in Las Vegas Market’s new temporary venue, The Pavilions. I’ll be showing you my favorite one-of-a-kind finds – from national and international exhibitors – jewelry, home décor, furnishings, clothing, pottery, porcelain and more. Many new exhibitors will be showcasing their wares and the inventory changes daily. Lots of surprises and inspiration are in store for this tour! The good news is that items will be available for immediate purchase and we will have an onsite shipping company ready to send your purchases directly home from Market.

These are just 2 of the events I’ll be taking part in – stay tuned for details on the Grand Opening Party & Ceremony for Discoveries – Las Vegas Market’s new antique center!!

Las Vegas Market is always an exciting time filled with parties, showroom specials, product debuts, and informational seminars. For more information on the events of this market, click here. Do let me know if you’ll be attending either of my events. I’d love to see you in Las Vegas!

Once upon a time there was a very lucky client… who had a fabulous shopping list, seeking some Swedish painted pieces in addition to a bevy of Belgian delights luxuriously covered in linens. She didn’t just want any tour – she wanted to go to sources beyond the borders, delving deeper into the magical countryside seeking far away lands. What’s The Diva to do when faced with such a client? Take them to Wallonia of course – that French speaking region of Belgium – to an area on back roads straight out of a fairy tale.

Part of what makes The Antiques Diva Tours so special – if I do say so myself – is that we custom plan tours for each client whether they’re requesting a fairy tale or a hard core buying experience that has them sourcing from dawn til dusk (which during the long days of summer can run from 5am to 10pm). Each tour is as individual as our clients are! Once we know what type of pieces and what type of experience a particular client is looking for we delve into our little black book of sources – some public, some private residence – and map out a route specific to that person’s shopping list, planning each and every detail along the way. A comment that we consistently hear from clients post-tour is “Wow! I never would have found those places without you!” That’s our specialty: Taking you to hidden gems and introducing you to our sources so you can find the perfect pieces and have the best European experience – an experience fit for a Diva!

On a recent buying tour in Belgium, we took a client to perhaps one of the most sensational sources in all of Belgium… the Chateau de Deulin. The Chateau was built in 1758 and remains a private residence to this day – for 300 years it’s been in the same family and the family has opened up their home only on appointment to sell antiques!

First arriving the Chateau we take a long walk up the driveway appreciating the proportions of the Chateau and sighing over the fact we’ve stepped into a real life fairy tale. Entering through the center courtyard we pass through a pair of large gates – a walled garden can be glimpsed just to the north of the house. We later learn that this garden, which dates back to the 18th century, was restyled into a French garden at the beginning of the 20th century and remains as such today. The U shaped main house is comprised of whitewashed bricks and blue stone and welcomes guests with an inner courtyard surrounded by outbuildings including its own chapel. There’s even a tower that has me convinced I’m hearing “Rapunzel, Rapunzel… Let Down your Hair” echoing in the wind.

We are greeted by the gorgeous young Monsieur Simon de Harlez and his even more beautiful girlfriend, Ivy, who graciously welcome us into their home. Oh la la… both my client (and myself) feel like we’re in heaven. I’m certain God is the ultimate interior designer – and these rooms are fit for a diety. We sigh over the sumptuously decorated rooms, mostly in the rococo style with a mix of European furnishings and decorative accessories, and my client’s cries of ecstasy get louder when she realizes many of the pieces are for sale! On this particular trip we were just shopping at the Chateau but my client immediately begins making plans to return with The Antiques Diva & Co when she discovers that Chateau will open up its private guest rooms for accommodation and special meals in the dining room for clients of The Antiques Diva & Co! Incidentally I failed to mention that the gorgeous dining room… one of my favorite rooms of the “house”… is decorated with original paintings depicting hunting scenes – a reminder of the days when the Chateau de Deulin was used as a “little” hunting lodge.

Today the stable has been converted and now houses antiques that are for sale. Simon’s father, Stéphane de Harlez, is a renowned Belgian antiques dealer and takes us through each “room,” excitedly chatting in French about each piece. When he compliments me on my French, I laugh and say “Je parle comme une vache” (I speak like a cow) to which he responds… “Moi? I speak like a BULL!”

Purchases made, we’re invited to join the family in sharing some wine and nibbles al fresco While sipping our wine, we discuss Chateau de Deulin’s upcoming antiques fair it hosts every year on the 2nd and 3rd weekend of October. We’re already planning a special trip for this event in 2015!

Our lovely visit complete and purchase orders written, we are ready to depart. After many cheek kisses, we hop in the car and pull away from this lovely estate, but I can’t help wishing that we were staying here for a couple more days so we could explore this enchanting home and its grounds…. perhaps if you join me in October we can stay a while longer?

Sometimes I have to stop and pinch myself and wonder what more could I ask for. Oh, and speaking of asking for more, the family also owns and operates an antiques warehouse not far from the Chateau. Of course, we went there as well! A Diva’s job is never done!

When most people think of antiquing in Europe, they envision strolling through the Paris Flea Market or shopping the French countryside. Some fantasize about unearthing treasures in Italy, ambling down antique filled lanes in England or finding the perfect painted piece in Sweden. We help clients antique in all of these scenarios, however there is one teeny tiny country in Europe that those not “in the know” tend to forget. Belgium is Europe’s best kept secret. I’ve said it for years… Belgium is a girl’s best friend! For a country barely the size of Maryland, it’s positively chock full of treasures that delight from chocolate to fashion and a diamonds… and antiques. Per capita there are more antique dealers in Belgium than practically any other country in Europe, making it an ideal country to take an Antiques Buying Tour!

When taking clients on buying tours in Belgium, we typically stay somewhere central – often basing ourselves in Antwerp – and from there proceed to cover the entire country in about 3 or 4 days. If you drive an hour in any direction from Antwerp you find yourself crisscrossing the country from north to south, dipping into both Holland and France and working your way towards the German border. Each day on tour we shop a variety of places – from small antique shops to large over-the-top warehouses. The next day we’ll take clients to specific dealers hand-picked for them, often meeting the dealers at their own homes, in private residences and shops that aren’t really shops, but storage units opened only on appointment. Our third day on tour in Belgium tends to be ALL about the flea markets. For those really motivated we wake early and pillage Waterloo… but my favorite Belgium Flea Market after all these years is still the Tongeren Flea Market, which literally takes over the entire town center each Sunday of the year snow, rain or shine. On a Belgium Buying Tour our clients have usually spent the first two days of their tour buying furniture and special art pieces so the flea market day is typically all about the smalls, which when shipped are essentially shipped for FREE as they are packed inside the drawers and cupboards they’ve already purchased – this maximizes client’s shipping costs!

Tongeren Flea Market has several sections. As I always I have a plan of attack, I always begin at the stalls which line the Leopoldwal – the street opposite the old Roman wall. Here we have a few favorite dealers who consistently have excellent inventory – one of my favorite is the gorgeous blond couple with antique ironstone at incredible prices. From porcelain to chandeliers and French manequins – some of my favorite vendors set up here. Next up you have a choice – you can wrap back around towards the town square – the Veemarkt. The market weaves it’s way around several streets – from the Maastrichterstraat, de Schiervelstraat, Clarissenstraat, and Eburonenhal. But after the Leopoldwal shopping along the Roman Wall my second and third favorite spots to shop are the two indoor sections – in the Sports Hall and inside the Parking Garage. Here you’ll find everything from linens to crystal to furniture. Clients find all sorts of things such as wooden cheese boards, antique coffee grinders, mirrors, iron stone pieces, sculpture, and much more. I think the better quality inventory tends to be found inside these 2 halls.

It’s always such fun to see favorite dealers that we’ve been buying from for years. A shopping tour at Tongeren involves running into old friends – from vendors to other dealers we know. The great thing for our clients is that we have good relationships with these dealers, which means they not only give our clients the best prices they can but they also give a fun shopping experience for our clients – inviting our clients into their stalls as long-term friends rather than another tourist passing through for a day. In town – and in the area nearby – we have a slew of dealers we adore who have permanent shops where we stop of a glass of champagne or a coffee and cookies!

For anyone who loves flea marketing, Tongeren should definitely be on your list! if you’d like more information on taking an Antiques Diva Buying Tour in Belgium, email us at info@antiquesdiva.com. We’d love to show you our version of this small-but-amazing country!